Definition

Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the outer layers of the skin caused by contact with a particular substance. It usually presents as a rash that is confined to the specific area of the body where the contact occurred.

Contact Dermatitis

Causes

Contact dermatitis is usually caused by either an irritant or an allergen. An irritant is a substance that irritates the skin. An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. People may be exposed to certain substances for years and never have a problem, and then suddenly develop contact dermatitis.

Some common causes of contact dermatitis include:

Acids

Alkalis

Solvents

Acetone

Soaps

Detergents

Metals, such as nickel—common in jewelry allergy

Rubber

Latex

Cosmetics and toiletries

Deodorants

Sunlight or artificial light

Preservatives

Plants, such as poison ivy

Medications

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk of contact dermatitis include:

Contact with an irritant or allergen

Allergies to certain substances, such as plants, chemicals, or medications

Symptoms

The symptoms of contact dermatitis may vary from person to person. Scratching and rubbing can cause or worsen some symptoms. The rash is usually confined to the area where the contact with the substance occurred, but occasionally may spread. If contact with the substance occurred all over the body, such as with a body lotion, the rash may be large.

Symptoms include:

Itching

Redness

Swelling

Blisters

Crusting, oozing, and scaling

Temporary thickening of the skin

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist) or allergies (allergist).

Treatment

The primary goal of treatment is to identify the substance causing the reaction and remove or avoid it. This could take several days or weeks of avoiding certain substances.

If you cannot identify the cause of your skin reaction, you may need to have a skin patch test. In a skin patch test, a small amount of the suspected substance is applied to the skin and covered with tape. Another patch without the substance on it is also attached to the skin. Both patches are removed after a period of time. If your skin is red and swollen under the suspected substance patch, and not under the other patch, you are probably allergic to that substance.

Treatment also focuses on caring for skin and relieving symptoms. Methods include:

Skin Care

Skin care guidelines may include:

Wash the area with water and mild soap or cleanser and gently pat dry.

Apply a barrier ointment such as petrolatum or petroleum jelly.

Do not poke at or cut open blisters. They can become infected.

Cover blisters with dry bandages.

Medications

Do not use any of these medications until after you have discussed them with your doctor.

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